The morning breeze carried the salty tang of the sea, brushing across Cinnabar's docks. Alex leaned on the railing, Infernape perched comfortably on his shoulder, watching the fishing boats bob gently in the bay. The town was alive with activity—the restored streets filled with children laughing, vendors calling out their wares, and Pokémon of all shapes and sizes wandering freely under careful supervision. For a moment, Alex allowed himself a rare sense of calm.
"Enjoying the quiet before the storm?" a voice teased behind him.
Alex turned slightly to see Lance approaching, his Dragonite hovering lazily at his side. The calm authority that always surrounded the Champion was evident, but there was a tension in his movements that Alex recognized immediately.
"You have that look," Alex replied, a faint smile crossing his scarred features. "Not here to fish?"
"Hardly," Lance said, landing lightly on the ground. Dragonite gave a low, rumbling growl, shaking its wings. "Reports from the League indicate unusual activity in the Indigo region. Multiple Legendary Pokémon signatures have been detected, converging simultaneously. It's… unsettling."
Alex's brow furrowed. "Simultaneously? That doesn't sound like natural behavior. Which Legendaries?"
"Kyogre has been spotted off the coast of Hoenn, but there are anomalies hinting at another—maybe multiple—approaching Kanto's waters," Lance explained. "We suspect orchestrated movements, possibly linked to residual Magma forces or a new, organized group seeking control."
Infernape shifted, flames flickering brighter as if sensing the tension. Alex's hand rested lightly on its head. "Sounds like we'll need more than local trainers," he murmured.
Lance nodded. "Exactly. The League recommends deploying Elite Four members for coordination and observation. Bruno and Karen are already preparing teams, and Lorelei is examining oceanic patterns to predict Kyogre's path. We'll need you to lead operations in Kanto and adjacent waters. The goal is to neutralize the threat before it can reach populated areas, especially Cinnabar."
Alex's gaze swept over the bustling town below. "No damage here. Cinnabar stays untouched." He straightened, voice calm but decisive. "We'll coordinate strikes and containment exercises offshore. Gym helpers and siblings will remain on the island for training and support, but ready if called."
Lance's expression softened. "You've built this town into something remarkable, Alex. Keeping it safe while managing high-level operations elsewhere—only someone with your experience could do it."
Alex smirked faintly. "Experience and scars. Don't forget the scars."
By midday, preparations were underway. The gym helpers had taken positions on the docks and training fields, overseeing exercises designed to simulate environmental hazards without risking actual damage.
Tomas Vale's Rhyperior and Onix formed a defensive barrier along the edge of the harbor, shielding local Pokémon and trainers from simulated tidal surges. Gigalith reflected sunlight to create clear signals for coordination exercises.
Sophie directed Magmortar and Flareon in controlled aerial and ground strikes to simulate volcanic eruptions, while Torkoal's precise heat bursts demonstrated hazard control.
Eli's Alakazam levitated objects to test trainees' dodging and positioning, Jolteon dashed along the docks, showing lightning-fast coordination, and Crobat navigated between boats to maintain observation.
Rina Holt's team focused on terrain adaptation, using Vileplume's spores to simulate area effects, Ludicolo's water manipulation to create dynamic obstacles, and Venusaur's vines to manage shifting platforms.
Kai and Lila were integrated into exercises, Talonflame executing rapid dive drills while Gardevoir psychically repositioned debris. Arcanine patrolled the waterfront, ensuring safety while maintaining readiness.
Alex oversaw it all with Infernape perched on his shoulder, moving between groups to correct technique, coordinate timing, and push teams to perform at their best. His calm, measured guidance reflected his Elite Four-level strength: each Pokémon and trainer was operating at peak efficiency without chaos or panic.
Evening approached, and a League communiqué arrived via holographic projector. Alex activated it, revealing Bruno and Karen in the Indigo Plateau command room.
"Alex," Bruno began, voice firm but cooperative, "Kyogre's movements indicate it's reacting to external stimuli—possibly being directed by remaining Magma operatives or a coordinated group. Karen's team reports tracking multiple signals. Timing and precision will be critical."
Karen's Umbreon and Bisharp flitted in the background, eyes glinting with analytical focus. "We've predicted converging paths near Kanto's eastern waters. Immediate engagement could prevent coastal damage, but it will require simultaneous deployment of multiple high-level teams—your core, the Elite Four, and specialized League units."
Alex nodded. "I'll coordinate. Gym helpers and siblings remain as reserves here on Cinnabar, but ready for rapid deployment if needed. Our priority is containment without collateral damage."
Bruno's fist tightened in silent agreement, Karen's gaze sharp as ever. "This will test all of your leadership skills. Don't underestimate the threat—they're not acting alone."
Alex's eyes shifted to Infernape, then to Hydreigon and Talonflame circling above. "Understood. Let's prepare a strategy that hits hard, fast, and clean. No unnecessary risks."
The calm before the storm faded as evening turned to night. The docks glimmered with lamplight, Pokémon trainers shared quiet words of encouragement, and the ocean reflected a rising tension. Every eye was on the horizon, anticipating the approaching storm.